Places In Makkah And Madinah While Performing Hajj
There are a number of places in Makkah and Madinah that must be visited while performing Hajj. Being the fifth pillar in Islam, it carries immense weight for all believers. This journey has been ordained in the Islamic religion to be performed by all. It is for this reason that believers spend their entire lives preparing for the Hajj.
Hajj must be started with a clear intention or Niyyah while being in the state of ihram. On the first day, pilgrims flock to Mina as part of the first leg of their journey. This is located in Makkah and marks the first stage of this obligatory prayer.
Below, we have outlined all the major places in Makkah and Madinah that are visited while performing Hajj.
Read also: WHAT HAPPENED ON DAY OF ARAFAT?
Journey to Mina marks the start of the Hajj
Mina is one of the very important places in Makkah while performing Hajj. Muslim pilgrims embark on the journey by beginning a short travel journey from the holy location of Makkah to Mina.
This is done via buses and trucks or can also be carried out on foot. Being able to watch hundreds of thousands of Muslim male pilgrims, clad in two white sheets known as the ihram is truly mesmerizing. Muslim women are covered from head to the toe with only their hands and feet showing.
All pilgrims chant in a sequenced chorus using the following words, “Here I am, Allah, answering your call.” The beautiful spiritual vibes of unity and brotherhood can be senses from miles away. All the Hajj pilgrims are protected in a tight security enclosure that escorts them to the destination of Mina.
Pilgrims arrival at Mina- a significant place in Makkah while performing Hajj
Another place in Makkah is Mina- an arid valley near the holy city of Makkah. It is also the first destination for those huge crowds of flocking Muslim pilgrims. There are numerous fireproof tents in place, set up against another wall. It is here that the pilgrims will reside before embarking upon the next stage. Here, pilgrims begin offering numerous supplications or Duas to Allah SWT. This includes engaging in a vast number of prayers as well as recitation of the Holy Quran.
Zikr is also commonly practiced. Once all of this is over, the pilgrims start to prepare for the next event of the Hajj journey. This is the descending to Mount Arafat.
Arafat- a significant place in Makkah while performing Hajj
As we recollect the places in Makkah and Madinah, the Arafat is an integral one. The wonderful feeling of traveling to Mount Arafat is comparable to no other. Arafat marks the area where the Holy Prophet PBUH had delivered his final sermon. It is a site of great religious importance too. After Muslims spend the night camping at Muzdalilfah, Hajj pilgrims then return to Mina. This is the point where they engage in the stoning of the devil at the Jamrat Al- Aqaba.
The fourth day of Hajj is marked by Eid ul Azha where animals are sacrificed. This is a ritual that is celebrated by Muslims from around the world. It commemorates the completion of Hajj- a true feeling like no other. All Muslims enjoin upon removing their ihram. They offer greetings to loved ones and exchange congratulatory wishes with other fellow pilgrims.
The final performance of Umrah and journey to Madinah marks the end of the Hajj
Muslims perform Umrah one last time before they leave the city of Makkah. Most pilgrims usually undertake a journey to Madinah where they perform prayers in the Masjid e Nabwi and visit other holy sites. This marks the end of their Hajj journey.
